Snail mucus is the new Insta fad and claims to have superb skin benefits, but does it work?
In recent years, snail mucus has gained popularity in skincare due to its potential benefits for the skin. Photo: Unsplash
For the love of Goo... I screamed when I searched for what exactly lies behind the viral COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin product. I didn't know what exactly was behind this Korean product, which thousands of influencers on my feed claimed to be the game changer and credited it for their glass-like skin. Somehow, I wasn't ready to believe that the product marketed as snail mucin was actually made of snail mucin—yes, mucus—the secretion they leave behind while crawling.
If you don't know what I am talking about, Snail Mucus is the newest Internet obsession, that is applied on your skin:
- Snail mucus, also known as snail slime, is a thick, viscous substance produced by snails. It serves as a protective layer for their soft bodies and helps them glide smoothly over surfaces.
In recent years, snail mucus has gained popularity in skincare due to its potential benefits for the skin.
Why are people applying snail mucus on their skin?
Snail mucus is 'believed' to contain various beneficial compounds, such as hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, peptides, and antioxidants. These components are thought to provide several skincare benefits, Dr Shubhangini Sharma, a dermatologist from Noida, explains why:
1. Moisturisation: Snail mucus is known for its hydrating properties. It helps to lock in moisture, making the skin appear plump and supple.
2. Skin regeneration: The mucus contains growth factors and peptides that may aid in skin regeneration and repair. It is believed to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can improve the skin's texture and elasticity.
3. Anti-ageing effects: The combination of moisturising and regenerative properties may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, giving the skin a more youthful look.
And thanks to social media -- especially Instagram and TikTok, snail mucus that is used to make so a wide range of products including -- serums and moisturisers and even sticky masks is getting super popular.
Does the manufacturer cause any harm to snails while making these products?
Even though a quick Google search will give you the answer-- which is obviously 'No', several experts claim that it's important to note that not all companies adhere to ethical practices. Some manufacturers may subject snails to stressful conditions or use methods that can harm them during mucus extraction. This could include methods such as mechanical stimulation or exposure to chemicals, which may be detrimental to the snails' health.
It is because various traditional methods of harvesting snail mucin included -- getting them dunked in pots of water with salt, vinegar or other chemicals to force them to excrete mucin. Thankfully, nowadays the process has changed -- now, the snails are given a 'spa' (placed under a steam bath) for mucus excretion.
So, before selecting a product that involves animals like this one -- make sure the brand is labelled cruelty-free.
Does it actually work?
Even though mass-market reviews claim that the product works like magic -- there is a small section of people who are complaining that the product gave them bumps and acne.
Dr Sharma says that the snail mucin, like any other serum, can irritate a sensitive skin type; and whether it actually works or not is yet to be determined as it is relatively new in the market and there are very few studies based on it.
Bottom Line: The product seems to work and experts do not have many complaints about it, but the limited scientific study about the compound makes it a hit-and-miss product. So, do your patch work before applying it to your skin.